Donegal man charged with directing criminal organisation - Donegal Daily

A former election candidate from Donegal has been charged with directing a criminal organisation. Declan Jordan was brought before Letterkenny District Court on...

A former election candidate from Donegal has been charged with directing a criminal organisation.

Declan Jordan was brought before Letterkenny District Court on Monday.

The 33-year-old is charged with directing the activities of a criminal organisation, both within and outside the State, between a date unknown in the middle of 2022 and February 12, 2025.

Jordan, of Foxes Glen, Milford was brought before Letterkenny District Court by three detectives.

Detective Garda Derek Connaughton told Judge Emile Daly that he arrested Jordan on Sunday, September 27 at 4.15pm.

Jordan was charged with three offences. The accused made no reply to the charges, Detective Garda Connaughton said.

Jordan is charged with directing the activities of a criminal organisation, contrary to section 71 (A) of the Criminal Justice Act, 2006 as inserted by section 5 of the Criminal Justice (Amendment) Act, 2009.

Jordan also faces two charges of demanding money with menaces from the same man at separate locations in Letterkenny on different dates in 2022. Those charges are contrary to section 17 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act, 1994, as amended by section 22 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act, 2008.

Garda Sergeant Jim Collins said that directions were received from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in relation to the charges, but that the Gardai were “still awaiting directions in terms of the venue”.

A bail application in respect of the charge relating to directing the activities of a criminal organisation, which is contrary to section 71 (A) of the Criminal Justice Act, 2006, can only be dealt with in the High Court.

Solicitor Mr Rory O’Brien, who usually represents Jordan, said that he was not in a position to act on behalf of the accused due to the ongoing withdrawal of solicitors from criminal legal aid matters.

Mr O’Brien advised the court that he would only be representing Jordan in the High Court bail matter.

Sergeant Collins said that bail conditions could be given to Jordan to consider.

He was remanded in custody and is due to appear again via video link before the court on Tuesday, September 29.

In the 2024 Donegal County Council elections, Jordan ran as an independent candidate. He obtained 621 first preference votes, but did not get elected.